1) My wife's '18 Leg Outback suffers the very common malady of the touchscreen de-laminating thus convincing the "info-tainment system" to randomly select things in rapid succession. It is exhibiting signs of sentience and free-will. It also re-enforces my loathing of excess tech in cars.

Monday it goes into the dealer network for a new "head". It's gonna be pricey, near as makes no difference $1400, a lot of money to replace what took the place of the car-radio. Can you feel more of that loathing starting to fill up the chamberpot?

You'll note the words "dealer network" in there too. And the chamberpot is full.

Still, I will say this about Subaru. They have a customer advocacy department which is something more than just a meaningless buzz-name. They have had real issues with these touchscreens and had extended the warranty on these through 2023. Of course that period has expired, we bought this car used, and we're the third owners, so we really have nothing due us. Still, Sub'y is kicking in $500 on the job. That says something.

2) Meanwhile, the old Forester is coming alive nicely albeit slowly. The A/C system is now rebuilt and is fully capable of running you out of the car. Other than one more project in the queue, its time to run it for a while to get used to how it drives, note its noises and quirks, then give it another trip up the lift and a good root-around probably in September.

That last project is replacing the headlight assemblies, for the lenses are cloudy with age and the seal on the drivers-side pot is perished and condensation breeds within. A look on the net and we find various after-market vendors for parts, including one "Carparts.com" who turn out to be that old American favourite of my cash-strapped youth, J. C.Whitney.

So it is we renew our acquaintance and I'll be interested if not amused to see what they send me. GRIN!